Yellowknife (Apr 27/05) - In an event that had the look and feel of a campaign rally, Western Arctic MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew announced just more than $300,000 in federal funding for crime prevention programs, Monday.

Blondin-Andrew trumpeted the financial support during a morning assembly at Mildred Hall elementary school in Yellowknife, complete with an anti-bullying skit performed by several students.

"The Government of Canada is proud to support the efforts of Northerners to make their communities strong and safe," she said.

The money will go to 13 programs across the territories through the National Crime Prevention Strategy - a federally-funded initiative designed to address the underlying causes of crime.

Nearly $90,000 has been allotted to programs in Yellowknife through places like the Salvation Army, the Side Door Youth Centre and Mildred Hall elementary school.

While the money was officially doled out late last month, several groups have known since February they would be receiving the financial support.

The timing of the announcement was criticized by political opponents, who said the Liberal government

was trying to curry favour with Northerners as the prospect of a springtime federal election looms.

"Taking credit close to an election is standard Liberal practice," said Dennis Bevington, who declared his candidacy for the New Democratic Party two weeks ago. "I think people are tired of it."

Sean Mandeville, who ran as a Conservative in the last federal election, said the announcement was a hallmark of a "desperate" party.

"This is a tired government," said Mandeville, who has considered running in the event of a federal election. "I just wish there would not be so much hoopla about (the funding announcement)."

During a televised address last week, Prime Minister Paul Martin promised to hold an election 30 days after Justice John Gomery presents his final report into the sponsorship scandal - a political embroglio that has cost the Liberals dearly in the polls.

But a non-confidence motion in Parliament could be voted on as early as next week - a move that would trigger a change in government.

"The numbers are there to take down the government," Mandeville said.

Bevington also said the NDP is in campaign mode with the prospect of a federal election on the horizon. "There is no doubt about that," he said.